In vivo transepidermal water loss: Validation of a new multi-sensor open chamber water evaporation system Tewameter TM Hex.

Abstract

Instrumentation technology for transepidermal water loss measurements has not been substantially modified since its introduction by Nilsson in 1977. Recent progress in sensor development allowed a new sensor arrangement using a matrix of 30 sensors. Raw measurement values are processed with spatial statistical analysis. We aimed to compare the new, multi-sensor probe (Tewameter TMHex) with the established Tewameter TM300 probe and to gain reference data for the new parameters of transepidermal energy loss and water vapor concentration on skin. Baseline measurements and repeated measurements on the volar forearm and assessment on eight different anatomical locations were performed on 24 healthy volunteers (both gender) with the TMHex and the TM300. A significant correlation (p<0.001; R-coefficient=0.9) between TMHex and the TM300 with a low coefficient of variance (CV) 11% for TMHex and 19% for TM300, could be assessed. The CV ranged between 7% (right inner upper arm) and 14% (palms). Average transepidermal heat loss ranged from 12W/m2 on the lower leg to 38.8W/m2 on the palm. The correlation between TMHex and TM300 along with the robustness of the measurements with the TMHex shows that the new probe for assessment of epidermal barrier function is comparable to the TM300. In most conditions, TMHex provides more accurate measurements than TM 300. New parameters open the field to studying skin's water and energy balance.